BBN Internship Program 2026 l Beyond Traditions : Indian Artisans in a Global Creative World

By - Jui Deshpande

India, a country filled with hidden artistic treasures. Craftsmanship and Craftspersons have been viewed historically as creations established in a long past. Crafts are traditionally identified as cultural expressions that are generational, and thus, passively taught. The Indian craftsperson has long been viewed as a guardian of heritage, yet rarely recognised as a contemporary creator. Today, this perception is slowly evolving. Craft is recognized as a continuously emerging, dynamic medium of artistic expression evolving through the use of the artisans' creativity.

Across the country, artisans have created pieces that reflect age-old techniques while simultaneously reflecting modern styles. Tradition and modern working in parallel. This work preserves history, but also gives room for self-expression, individuality and experimentation. Craft is gradually moving beyond its original functional role, finding space within design, storytelling, and contemporary artistic practice. Through this shift, Indian artisans are redefining what craftsmanship means today.

This shift has been slowly developing into a worldwide phenomenon. Organizations and global platforms such as Homo Faber (Venice), World Crafts Council, and UNESCO Creative Cities Network are placing artisans into modern-day creative discussions. Events like London Craft Week and the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market are continuing to demonstrate that craftsmanship is not frozen in time but alive, changing and relevant. These platforms give spotlight to all those artists who are using old traditional ways of creating craft, around the globe.

At the same time, digital platforms have expanded the reach of Indian artisans, allowing their work to travel far beyond geographical boundaries. This growing visibility is encouraging new generations to explore traditional techniques while also shaping their own creative voice.

The expanding presence of Indian artisans shows that handmade objects contain more than just the artefact. These pieces of handmade artwork represent time, dedication, and the importance of human relationships, qualities often overshadowed in an age of mass production. As more contemporary creative discussions include craft, it becomes a way to build bridges between cultures while maintaining identity and creating new definitions of the importance of traditional heritage in today’s society.

Ultimately, the journey of Indian artisans reflects more than survival; it represents transformation. Craft today is not merely about preserving the past, but about shaping the present and influencing the future. In recognising artisans as creators rather than just preservers, we begin to see craftsmanship for what it truly is: a living expression of culture, creativity, and human imagination.

Not Just A Review l O Romeo

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

Done to death stories need a really innovative screenplay to capture audience attention. O Romeo fails on this count.

Ustara (Shahid Kapoor) works as a contract killer for IB officer Ismail Khan (Nana Patekar). He is being hunted by international gangster and terrorist Jalal.

Enters Afshan (Tripti Dimri); she wants to  contract him with the killings of — Jalal (Avinash Tiwari), inspector Pathare (Rahul Deshpande), don Shankar (Rohit Pathak) and lawyer Ansari (Resh Lamba).

Why; because they killed her husband, Mehmood (Vikrant Massey) when he tried to leave the gang of Jalal.

This done to death story needed a really innovative screenplay to hold any interest. Instead...

The result is a designer film with a bloated budget with absolutely no emotions. The emotional angle between the love of the protagonists Ustara and Afshan had to be very very intense for the audiences to invest in the film. It is sorely lacking and that is, as much a fault of the writing as it is of direction.

Vishal's best till date are Omkara and Maqbool; to a lesser extent Kameeney. Here he can take heart from the fact that the film is better than his earlier flops, Haider and Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola.

At the box-office after a below-average weekend, thanks to the 'managed' reviews, the going will be very very tough.

News Shorts l India’s Technology Services - Reimagination Ahead

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal at the Release of Report “India’s Technology Services - Reimagination Ahead” at Vanijya Bhawan, in New Delhi.

The report highlights the giant strides India has made in the recent past. The report also highlights the road-map ahead.

Technology and services, are one of the sectors that the government is focusing on to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 

News Shorts l Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data - Base Year: 2024

By - Rani S

The Secretary, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Dr. Saurabh Garg addressing a press conference on release of Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data - Base Year: 2024, in New Delhi. The event saw the speakers share various data regarding the Consumer Price Index 

What is Consumer Price Index: In general terms, CPI is a measure of the average change over time in prices paid by households for a basket of goods and services, acting as a crucial indicator of inflation and cost-of-living changes. 

CPI is essential for informing monetary policy, adjusting wages/benefits, evaluating economic health, and guiding investment decisions.

News Shorts l Acquisition of 8 Dornier-228 Aircraft

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in New Delhi.

The acquisition is seen as a major boost for the Indian Defence Forces. Experts say that this acquisition will be a major boost for ICG.

BBN Internship Program 2026 l How Small Breaks Reset the Mind and Reduce Stress

By - Jui Deshpande

Life, as we grow, turns out to be a task. A demanding one. It asks more from us than we expect, pushes us into roles we never imagined, and keeps us moving forward. We continue to live, to function, to progress but are we truly living? Constant rush of life. Juggling between many responsibilities becomes exhausting. At one point, it may also push one to their lowest. This endless running in life can turn into an unhealthy lifestyle. To overcome this, we are often advised to take breaks. Moments to rejuvenate, relax and clear your head. But these breaks do not always require expensive trips, fancy plans or long leaves from work. The alternative, easy to adapt, is to take micro breaks. Micro-escapes, often called micro-breaks, are short pauses taken during everyday life that help reset the mind, reduce overwhelm, and restore emotional balance without needing long holidays or big changes. 

The idea is simple. You steal 15-20 mins for yourself and do something that you like. It can help overcome everyday stress by engaging in some form of pleasurable activity. Activities can be small, such as walking outdoors, listening to music, having a warm drink, writing in your journal or turning off your device for a period of time. These are things we often hear about in daily life, advice that sounds almost too simple to matter. But here is the truth: simple actions often create the biggest changes. What we tend to ignore because it feels obvious or ordinary can sometimes be exactly what we need. No grand advice, no piles of self-help books, no complicated solutions and perhaps that is why we overlook it.

While the short break may feel unimportant, it is actually a time of restoration to normalcy. A break allows the mind to relax and catch its breath again and helps become less cluttered from everyday tension. It brings some clarity that would otherwise be eliminated with constant activity. The calmer a person is, the easier it is to concentrate, better emotional and mental health and it becomes easier to manage day to day activities. Over time, if you welcome these small breaks, you will avoid exhaustion and maintain a healthier rhythm of life.

Micro-escapes are often disregarded as they are simple alternatives to multiple calendar dates that require travel. We live in a culture of overworking ourselves and so “non-doing” can feel pointless and counterproductive. Many of us feel we need to earn rest and don’t see the necessity in taking time away for our own self. Over time this mindset makes us ignore our bodies and minds when they request stillness, even in the most subtle of ways.

While an escape may not always necessarily be about distance , it may be more about being mindful. Micro-escapes remind us that moments create balance vs. milestones. Taking a minute away, being in silence or finding comfort are all simple and effective ways to restore some of what we lose by living in constant motion. By learning how to take a step back even for a few minutes, we may actually learn how to not just continue to move forward but we may learn how to improve our quality of life in doing so. It’s for all those who need to catch a breath. We don’t always need to disappear to find peace. Sometimes, a small pause is enough to lift us into calm and clarity.

Press Release l Ministry of Commerce & Industry

• APEDA to Highlight India’s Organic Agriculture at BIOFACH 2026
• India Country Pavilion to Showcase Organic Rice, Spices, Oilseeds, Herbs and Value-Added Products
• Participation from Over 20 States and UTs to Highlight India’s Agricultural Diversity

India has been designated as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, scheduled to be held from 10th to 13th February 2026 at Nuremberg, Germany.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is organising India’s participation at BIOFACH 2026 with a prominent and high-impact presence. India’s participation will highlight the country’s rich agricultural heritage and its strength as a major global supplier of organic products.

BIOFACH Germany is the world’s largest and most influential exhibition dedicated exclusively to organic food and agriculture. APEDA has been participating in BIOFACH for more than a decade and has consistently maintained a strong presence at the event.

India’s participation at BIOFACH 2026 marks a significant scale-up compared to previous editions, reflecting the expanding footprint of Indian organic exports, increased global demand for organic products, and growing participation from exporters, associations, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

After a span of 14 years, India’s organic farming sector is set to take centre stage once again at BIOFACH 2026.

The India Country Pavilion, set up by APEDA, will span an area of 1,074 square metres and will feature 67 co-exhibitors, including exporters of organic products, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, organic laboratories, state government organisations, and commodity boards. The pavilion will showcase a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils, among others.

Exhibitors from more than 20 States and Union Territories are participating in the India Pavilion, reflecting the country’s vast agricultural and regional diversity. These include Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. The participation highlights region-specific organic produce and value-added food products, demonstrating India’s year-on-year expansion in international organic trade engagement.

In addition to product displays, visitors to the India Pavilion will be offered curated food tastings showcasing the flavours and aromas of Indian organic products. Live sampling of aromatic biryani prepared using premium organic basmati rice and spices will be organised. Further, five GI-tagged rice varieties, namely Indrayani rice, Navara rice, Gobindbhog rice, Red rice, and Chak Hao (Black rice), will be served to visitors to highlight India’s heritage rice varieties.

APEDA has also undertaken extensive branding and high-impact promotional activities at prominent locations across the Nuremberg Messe Exhibition Centre, as part of India’s designation as Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026.

As global attention increasingly shifts towards sustainability and environmentally responsible lifestyles, India’s participation as Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026 reinforces its position as a global leader in organic agriculture. India remains committed to supplying high-quality, sustainably produced organic products that meet international standards.

APEDA continues to support Indian exporters through focused initiatives aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness and strengthening India’s position as the organic food basket of the world.

News Shorts l India - Seychelles Ties

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet dinner in honour of The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie and his wife Mrs. Veronique Herminie at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi

The two leaders discussed ways to boost various co-operations between the two countries. Seychelles has been one of the sought after destinations for Indians. The discussion also talked about various ways to boost the economy of two countries.

BBN Internship Program 2026 l Rogan Art : Slow Art in Fast World

By - Jui Deshpande

Originating from Persia, Rogan Art travelled to Kutch, Gujarat where it evolved into a unique non-brush painting tradition. The word ‘Rogan’ meaning  ‘oil’ or ‘varnish’ refers to a 300–400-year-old technique that uses castor oil to create thick colours for fabric painting. In this rare process, the paint is carefully drawn onto cloth using a metal rod, without the brush ever touching the fabric. Today, it is surviving, not striving. With just one family practicing this art in India, it stands on the edge of disappearance. 

The process begins with heating castor oil until it reaches a thick, honey-like texture. After cooling, it is mixed with natural colour pigment and blended till the two combine smoothly. Using a thin metal rod, the artist then draws freehand designs onto the fabric, without using a brush at any stage.The technique demands patience and control. While simpler patterns may take 5-6 days, highly intricate and detailed pieces can take months, sometimes even years to finish.

Today one family has continued the Rogan Art tradition from generation to generation in Nirona Village Kutch, and that tradition may have died out without them. The survival of this way of creating art was made possible by a great deal of dedication and an increased level of awareness generated through worldwide publicity. Rogan Art is not only an artistic medium, it is an example of incredible cultural heritage in India and demonstrates how much value there is in creating handmade products. In this day and age of fast-paced production and mass production of items, Rogan Art serves as a lasting testament to the artistic process involving patience, tradition and a human touch.

Among the many designs of Rogan Art, the most celebrated is the Tree of Life, symbolising growth, harmony, and continuity. Known for its fine detail and symmetry, it reflects the patience and precision of the craft. Once on the verge of fading, Rogan Art gained global recognition, bringing attention to this rare tradition and helping preserve it for future generations.

In a world where everyone seeks fast and quick options, Rogan Art highlights the importance of such hidden gems of the art world. It reminds us of the value of patience and tradition. It is essential to preserve and develop such art forms and pass them on to future generations. Rogan Art is not just a technique; it is an identity. It spreads culture, art, and stories, and connects people. Something deeply needed in the modern age.

News Shorts l Bilateral meeting at Manekshaw Centre

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh with Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Nikos Dendias, ahead of their bilateral meeting at Manekshaw Centre, in Delhi Cantt.

The ministers are meeting for talks over giving a boost to defence ties and fostering an environment of global peace and prosperity. 

News Shorts l Bastar Pandum – 2026

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah graced the closing ceremony of ‘Bastar Pandum – 2026’ as the Chief Guest at Jagdalpur, in Chhattisgarh.

At the ceremony, Shah spoke about the various initiatives taken by the government to better the lives of the local population as well as the people of the state. He also talked about the various development programs implemented in the state for the welfare of the people.

Press Release l President's Secretariat

• President Of India Graces Black Swan Summit, India At Bhubaneswar
• India’s Fintech Story Should Be Remembered Not Only As A Tale Of Technology But Also As That Of Gender Justice: President Droupadi Murmu
• Ensure That Technology Becomes A Tool For Social Justice And Inclusion: President Droupadi Murmu To Entrepreneurs And Innovators

The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the Black Swan Summit, India, organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with Global Finance and Technology Network, at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, today (February 6, 2026).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that we are living in a time when technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. New innovations arrive so rapidly that our systems, skills, and business models often struggle to keep up. At the same time, these rapid advancements can also bring serious challenges, including cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, misinformation, and an increasing dependence on technology. However, the rapid technological changes have a huge positive impact on innovation and growth. Through events such as Black Swan Summit, innovative methods can be explored to leverage technologies for further enhancing capabilities through skilling, generate employment and accelerate the digital and financial transformation.

The President said that in the past decade, India has witnessed an impactful revolution in the financial system. Direct benefit transfer into bank accounts and the digital payments have become very common among farmers, small shopkeepers and women. For them, “fintech” is not a technical term, it has become their lifeline.

The President said that India’s fintech story should be remembered not only as a tale of technology but also as that of gender justice. Women constitute an important segment that requires focused attention for the promotion of fintech. Fintech ecosystem must view them not only as end users but as leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. For every new platform, product, or policy, it needs to be evaluated if it makes women active participants in the digital and financial ecosystem.

The President said that fintech does not guarantee inclusion on its own. There continue to be citizens, especially in remote, tribal, and rural areas, who are not conversant with the digital tools. Skilling them is very important to make them participants in the development journey. Only then, fintech can become an engine of inclusion, employment generation and promotion of entrepreneurship. She urged entrepreneurs and innovators to ensure that technology becomes a tool for social justice and inclusion.

The President said that technology has a huge potential for making positive impact on all sectors of economy and all sections of society. However, at times it can be misused for financial frauds. It is pertinent to enhance awareness among people to be vigilant and alert to prevent such frauds. The Government of India has undertaken various measures to prevent and report such frauds including setting up of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System and Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre.  Ensuring digital and financial literacy is essential to deter online financial fraud. It needs to be made part of school curricula so that the advantages and disadvantages of technology can be understood at a young age.

​The President said that advancing skill development, establishing global capability centres, and enhancing innovation capacity are investments in human capital.  She was happy to note that Government of Odisha has launched BharatNetra initiative for building a future-ready workforce and innovation ecosystem in digital, financial and insurance technology sectors. She appreciated Government of Odisha and Global Finance and Technology Network for co-organising the Black Swan Summit as part of the BharatNetra initiative. She expressed confidence that discussions and collaborations that emerge from this Summit will be of transformative effect not only for Odisha but also for India and the world.